Hassan sources have reported that the municipal
workers of Hassan began an indefinite strike urging the State government to regularize
the services of all those hired through outsourcing agencies on Monday.

It was stated that the workers of all urban local bodies are participating
in the statewide protest. They have demanded that the government stop hiring
employees through outsourcing agencies and regularize services of those already
in employ.

Meanwhile the protesters, under the banner of the Hassan district unit of
the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), staged a dharna in front of the
Deputy Commissioner’s office. They alleged that employees hired through
outsourced agencies have been denied due benefits. The officers in the urban
local bodies joined hands with the contractors in cheating the workers.

Moreover Manjunath, treasurer, CITU, said the State government had assured
them that the services of all workers would be regularised by March 2017.
However, the government had not fulfilled its promise. The protesters submitted
a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner. Anuradha, a CITU State committee
member, led the protest.